Spoiler: They’re Better Together Than Apart
When summer heat hits Central Ohio, most of us instinctively reach for the thermostat. But what if you could feel cooler and lower your energy bills—just by using your ceiling fan the right way?
At Sears Heating and Cooling, we often hear customers ask whether they should use their ceiling fan instead of air conditioning. The truth is, it’s not either/or—when used correctly, ceiling fans can complement your AC system and help you save money without sacrificing comfort.
Here’s how to make them work together.
What Your Ceiling Fan Actually Does
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they move it. That airflow creates a wind-chill effect on your skin, making you feel up to 4°F cooler than the room temperature. So while the room itself isn’t colder, you feel more comfortable.
The Right Way to Use Your Fan with AC
- Set your fan to spin counterclockwise in summer.
This pushes air down and creates that cooling breeze effect. There’s usually a small switch on the motor housing to control direction. - Raise your thermostat by 2–4 degrees.
If you normally keep the AC at 72°F, bump it up to 74–76°F when using a fan in occupied rooms. The perceived temperature will feel the same, but you’ll use less energy. - Only run fans in rooms you’re using.
Since fans don’t lower actual room temperature, leaving them on in empty rooms just wastes electricity.
How This Saves You Money
Every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer can reduce your cooling costs by about 3–5%. So using your fan strategically means your AC runs less frequently and uses less power overall—while you still feel cool and comfortable.
Quick Fan Tips from the Pros
- Balance your fan blades to avoid wobbling and inefficiency
- Clean dust off fan blades regularly for better air movement
- Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® ceiling fans for even greater efficiency
- Install smart switches or timers to avoid leaving fans on all day
Bonus Tip: Use a Smart Thermostat for Maximum Savings
Pairing a programmable or smart thermostat with fan use lets you set schedules that adjust temperatures based on your routine. It’s one of the easiest ways to take control of summer energy costs—and Sears Heating and Cooling can help with installation and setup.
Let’s Make Your Home More Efficient This Summer
If your AC is running nonstop or you’re still not comfortable, it might be time for a system check-up or upgrade. The team at Sears Heating and Cooling has been helping Columbus homeowners stay cool since 1950—and we’re happy to help you too.
Schedule your summer tune-up today or ask us about energy-efficient solutions for your home.
